Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23122, Caleb Gordon, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass
NUMBER
W 23122
Gordon Caleb or Gorden
Miriam
CONTENTS

6194
Maine
Caleb Gordon
private
Massachusetts line - 3 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of — 8 — Dollars per month, to commence the 3 rd of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th of Jan'y 1819. and del d R. C. Vose, Augusta. Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818 - 5 mos 2/30 - 40.53 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th March 1819 - 48.00
$ 88.53
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Augusta,
Converse

Notices now sent July 12 th 1820
By Rose Ego
Spitfire Ego
Agatha Waine

Maurice SH
Miriam Gordon
of Kennebec in the State of Maine
who was a Major in the commanded by Captain of the  commanded
by in the time for written of Caleb Ginn who was a Major the war of the Revolution time of
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. Mr. [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Oct. 1836 and sent Mr. [unclear] Esq. Augusta Maine
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836  $48.11 Semi-ant. allowance ending Dec. 37.  $48.11 $48.11
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by [unclear] Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 8

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of Maine.
Kennebec County, ss: 3
On this eighth day of August A.D. 1836, personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court of said County, at a Court holden at Augusta within & for said County. Miriam Gordon of the same Augusta, aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the widow of Caleb Gordon, who was a private soldier, as she believes, in Capt. Ballard's Coy. in Col. Jackson's Massachusetts regiment for the full period of eight months, in the year 1775; and who also served as a private soldier from sometime in 1777, to sometime in 1780, a period of three years, in Capt. Stone's Coy. in Col. Brewer's regiment of the Massachusetts troops: as will more fully appear in reference to the papers upon which said Gordon (Caleb) was pensioned under the Act of Congress of March 18, 1818, his pension certificate having been No. 6.194. — She further declares, that she was married to the said Caleb Gordon, at Bennington, Vermont, on

the (not recollected) day of January in the year seventeen hundred & seventy seven; that her husband the aforesaid Caleb Gordon, died on the eighth day of July A.D. 1833; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed; & that she has no evidence to offer of the date of her marriage. Miriam his Gordon mark
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court, this eighth day of August 1836; and I certify that it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court, that the said Caleb Gordon, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States; that he died at Augusta on the eighth day of July 1833; and that the said Miriam Gordon is his widow. I have known her for twenty years past.
W. B. Fuller Judge

I Caleb Gorden aged sixty three do testify & say that I was a private in Captain Gray  Thayer's company in the detachment commanded by Gen. Arnold that penetrated by way of Kennebec River to Quebec. & after the well known disaster of the attack on that place under General Montgomery I with some others escaped, tho' hardly recovered from the small-pox & returned to my home which was at that time in Bennington in the State of Vermont. The next year I enlisted under Captain Stone in Colonel Brewer's Regiment for three years, or during the war. for three years, or during the war. Genl. Patterson's Brigade & continued to serve in said company somewhat more than two years when having suffered severely with a fever I was dismis- sed on a furlough or pass to go into the country till my health should be restored. I accordingly again returned to my family in Bennington & as soon as my health was sufficiently restored I set out to return to the army then encamped somewhere on Hudson River towards New York, but leaving my wife very dangerously sick! I had now seven months to serve to complete my three years. On my way to the army I met with a man whom I hired to serve in my stead, if the Officers would accept him the remaining seven months & proceeded with him to the army - where the Officers agreed to accept him on trial in my stead giving me a pass to return home & there remain till called for. I accordingly gave the man I had hired one hundred dollars for the aforesaid term of seven months. I to draw my wages the same as if serving. & returned
Soon after my return I met with an injury in my right hand  leg & after languishing several weeks was obliged to submit to the amputation of it just

wages since I left the army as aforesaid & I have never had any discharge except the pass aforesaid which has by accident since that time been lost. I not considering it a paper of any consequence. I do not know whether the officers above mentioned are living & if they are alive they are at a distance from me & I know not where now
I have resided since the time above mention- ed in several different towns in Vermont, New- Hampshire & Massachusetts & from sixteen to twenty of the last years have resided either in Hallowell, Augusta, or Vassalborough in the County of Kennebec in the District of Maine. I know of no soldier who knew me now alive. I have had a large family of children & have always been & now remain in very indigent circumstances.
I employed one Groot many years ago to carry forward my claim & furnished him with the necessary certificates; I have never seen him since, & have never received any thing on that account from him or any other man nor from the United States nor any State - & should have forwarded my claim again but knew not how to do it & was too poor to be able to incur any expense.
Caleb Gorden
District of Maine - Hallowell 2. Feby 1818
Then personally appeared the above written Caleb Gorden & made solemn oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed before me

Caleb Gordon
1814 Jan 28
Mar 1819
Robert C. Vose, Augusta Maine

State of Maine.
368.
Copy
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this ninth day of June , 1820, personally appeared before  in open Court before  Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Caleb Gordon aged  sixty four years, resident in Molton in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain  Stones and Regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of three years having previously served  eight months in Col Jackson's Reg. same  Massachusetts troops was in the battle at Bunkerhill and at both of the battles at the taking of Burgoyne
that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the  thirce day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6194 . And I, the said Caleb  Gordon do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Caleb Gordon
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz:
Old furniture, necessary bedding excepted, of the value of two dollars. One old axe and one old hoe two dollars. I have no debts due to me whatever, and I owe upwards of one hundred dollars. My family consists of myself, my wife Meriam aged sixty years much afflicted with the Rheumatism and unable to labor but a little, my daughter Lucy aged nineteen who has lately been delivered of a bastard child, and Cyrus aged sixteen years. My occupation is that of a farmer, but having lost my right leg service in the war of the revolution, I am now able to do but little labor. I have no estate or income whatever other than the foregoing my necessary clothing & bedding excepted.
Caleb Gordon

Subscribed, sworn to, and declared both the oath and schedule on the ninth day of June 1820 before me.
Nathan Weston Jr 69666 Pleas.
True copy
Attest J. M. Davis Clerk

I Miriam Gordon of Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the 4 th of July last, do further declare on oath, that I have in my possession a Family Bible, in which is kept the Family record: that the records there made were copied therein more than twenty years ago, from an old Family Bible which had become so much injured & defaced as to be useless. That said Record states that "Caleb & Miriam Gordon married Jan'y. the year 1777. Lydia Gordon born March 2 d . 1780 - she died April 8 th 1781. Lydia Gordon the 2 d . born the 15 th day of August 1781. Jesse Gordon born Augt. 6, 1783." &c. I further state, that I was married to said Caleb Gordon in January 1777, & continued to live with him as his wife until his decease, & have ever since remained his widow. That I am satisfied that in reference to the original declaration of said Caleb Gordon, under the act of Congress of March 18. 1818, it will be found that he referred to the sickness of me his wife, as the cause of his leaving the Army before his time was out. That I have no further evidence to offer of my marriage, but am so well known that I believe it cannot be doubted that my statement is true,
Miriam her Gordon mark
State of Maine Kennebec
room I subscribed this 31 st day

of Augt. 1836, I further certify that the said Caleb Gordon was well known to me for many years. That he had but one leg, & I have often heard him speak of his wife, (the said Miriam) I give an account his having his leg amputated. That I fully believe the statement of said Miriam, whom I have personally known for many years, to be true.
Wm M c Cart Justice Peace
State of Maine
Wenatchee Sept 1. 1830 I certify that I fully believe the statement to be true as made by the said Miriam Gor- don - I have known the said Miriam Gordon & her late husband Caleb Gordon for about thirty years - The said Caleb Gordon had lost one leg - Miriam Gordon, his widow still remains in our village - I never heard that the said Caleb ever had any other wife & I am satisfied that the said Miriam is the wife referred to in the said Caleb Gordon's application for a pension -
Wm Fuller Judge of Prob. at Wenatchee

Marriage Caleb & Merriam Gordon was married in January 1877.
Births Sydia Gordon born March 2 nd 1780 died April 22. 1781. Sydia the 2 nd born! Augt 15 1781. Jersee born Aug 6 th 1783 John " " 13. 1785 Mary " Mar 29. 1788 Gillman " " 18. 1791. Daniel " Feb 17. 1793 Susan " Mar 28. 1795. (died Aug 15 1811) Caleb born Apr 22 1797 Susan " Nov 11 1801 Cyrus " Oct 15 1803 (Caleb died July 1833 Susan died Oct 3. 1836.

Recd  WIDOW, &c.  cur
File No. 23122
Miriam Gordon
Wid. of
Caleb. Gordon
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 1 st 1832
Index:—Vol. A ; Page 282
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Susp o see let to Wm Wart Aug 18 th 1836 same Sept 27 th Miriam Gordon aet 4 July 1836
abn d
ol

That time was last Gordon last H.R. Oct 1878. Name roll?
W.H.A.
Disc 8 July 1833 paid to that period
J.H.

Dist: of Maine.
Caleb Gordon, private,
Capt. Stone's Co: Col. Brewer's regt P. Genl. Patterson's Brigade, in the U.S. Army during the Revolutionary War.
Ratio of disability, entitled to, ..... $ ..... Total.
Time of closing the testimony, ..... $ 2. Feb. 1818.
March 12. 1818
Ref: to the Comm ee on Pensions & Revol t Claims.
Increased under Law of the 18 th of March, 1818
Award of Congress: —

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Calib Gordon  Augustus , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Augustus , in the said County of Kennebec , in the District of Maine, on the third day of April , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier , in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty third day of May in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston  Wm C. Root C.C.C. Pleas 2 d E. Circuit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
A handwritten signature in cursive, reading "Wm Davis", positioned to the right of the attestation text.

I James Bates of Hallowell in the County of Kennebec & District of Maine Surgeon & Physician of Lawful age do testify & say that I have examined the right leg of Caleb Gordon of Augusta in said county and find the same amputated below the joint of the knee which he says & has testified was done (in consequence of an injury received in the foot by a stick of timber), in the month of August 1879 at Ben- nington in the state of Vermont, by a Doct Fay thin of that place —
And further that he was at that time a private soldier in Capt Stone's Com- pany, Brewer's Reg't. & Gen Patterson's Brigade on Furlough — further that he is wholly disabled from obtaining his living by labour 2nd February 1818 — James Bates
District of Maine. Hallowell 2 February 1818
The above written James Bates personally appeared made solemn oath to the truth of the above state- ment, of an examination by him subscribed before me
A Mann Commissioner specially appointed for the purpose as per commission accompanying

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT,
July 6 1818
BY THIS I CERTIFY, That it appears by public, official documents remaining in this Department, that Caleb Gordon served as a Soldier in Capt. Williams' Company, and Col. Shouts' Regiment, (being one of the Regiments in the Massachusetts Line, and on the Continental Establishment,) in the American Army, in the War of the Revolution, from Jan. 1- 1777 to Dec. 1 st 1779, being two years and 11 months.
Hlden Bradford
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Ken- nebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is Four dollars and cents ; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Nothing  dollars and  cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of of Kennebec

Caleb Gorden, Augusta, for Col. Sprouts, Mass. Reg.
1777. to 1780.
✓ April 3. 1818
Admitted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts—
I Caleb Gordon, aged sixty three years, a Citizen of the United States born in Brentwood in the state of New Hampshire. On Oath testify and declare (being now resident in Augusta in the District of Maine) that in April or May 1775, I enlisted as a private soldier for the continental service into what was called the eight months service, into the company commanded by Capt Ballard. My Colonel I think was Col. Jackson of the Massachusetts line. In August or September 1775 while serving under my first enlistment I volunteered to go with Col. Arnold in Capt Thayer's company to Quebec by the way of the Kennebec through the woods. I went accordingly, and after great suffering by hunger and fatigue, I arrived at Quebec. At the storming of the town, I partly ascended the wall in a scaling ladder, which was cut off by a chain shot from the enemy, and I fell. Having failed in our attempt upon Quebec, I afterwards was taken sick with the small pox, and lay in a hospital near Quebec. After I had nearly recovered, upon an attack from the enemy, I effected my retreat with great labor, suffering and difficulty, and arrived at Bennington Vermont, having passed by the way of Lake Champlain, in August 1776 having served from my first enlistment fifteen months. I was actively engaged with the enemy in the battle of Bunker Hill. From the above campaign and service I took no formal written discharge. In August 1777 I again enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service of the United States against the common enemy, for the term of three years into the company commanded by Capt Stone and regiment commanded by Col. Brewer, of the Massachusetts line. Under this last enlistment, I served two years and five months, and my wife being sick, I hired for one hundred dollars, a substitute for the remaining seven months, I myself by permission of my officers left the army, on the Hudson, near New York in January 1780. On my return, but within the three years, my right leg was amputated, in consequence

3
permission of my officers left the army, on the Hudson, near New York in January 1780. On my return, but within the three years, my right leg was amputated, in consequence of a sore, as occasioned, as the surgeons stated on oath by the heats and colds of the service. I took no formal written discharge, being unable in consequence of my misfortune to go and procure it. I am very poor, and in need of the bounty of the government. And I do hereby relinquish all my claim to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the U. States, if any, but I am not to my knowledge borne on any pension list whatever. I request to be be on the pension list for the district of Maine.
Caleb Gorr

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss.
On the third day of April A D 1818 Caleb Gordon within named after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the within declaration by him submitted — Before me
Nathan Weston
Chief Justice C. Court C Pleas Second Eastern Circuit
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Daniel Stone of Augusta, in the District of Maine, of lawful age, upon oath testify and declare, that I am well acquainted with the within named Caleb Gordon. He is very poor, and in need of the bounty of the government, and in my opinion is fully to be believed.
Daniel Stone
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss.
On the third day of April A D 1818 Daniel Stone, Esquire above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition — Before me
Nathan Weston
Chief Justice C. Court C Pleas Second Eastern Circuit

I Susan Sheridan of Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, wife of Daniel Sheridan, do upon oath declare, that the Family Bible of Miriam Gordon my Mother & the widow of my Father Caleb Gordon, which Bible accompanies this deposition & bears my name written by myself this day upon the same leaf with the Family Record, contains a record of the marriage of the said Caleb & Miriam, which is believed by me to be genuine. That the Bible above referred to, has been in the Family more than twenty years, & that when I was a girl, & I am very confident it was in 1813, but may have been in 1814, my Mother had an old piece of paper, upon which was a Family record, & which was said to have been preserved from an old Bible which was destroyed, which leaf I recollect was kept in a pocket book, & for fear it would be lost, my said Mother directed me to copy it into the Bible sent with this, & I did so. The copy was made to preserve the record, & is I fully believe correct. The original was soon after lost, I am the same Susan Gordon who is named in said Record as having been born November 4 th 1808.
Susan Sheridan

State of Maine,
Kennebec, ss:—
Then personally appeared the within named Susan Sheridan, & made oath to the truth of the within deposition by her subscribed before me this 3 d . day of Octr. 1836,
William Woodard Jr Justice Peace The said Susan Sheridan is well known to me. Is a credible witness, William Woodard Jr Justice Peace,
State of Maine,
Kennebec, ss:
I the subscriber Clerk of the Courts for Kennebec County, hereby certify that William Woodard Jr who has signed the above certificate is a Justice of the Peace,
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, this 3 d day of October 1836,
J. A. Chandler

Additional Declaration Evidence in support of the claim of Miriam Gordon for pension under Act of July 4, 1836.
Declaration to be on file in Pension Office.
See Caleb Gordon's original declaration in 1818. —
adm?
2 years pri
80
deduct.
Reference to family Bible in this paper
M c Moarty Augusta Me

I Asaph R Nichols of Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, on oath testify & say, that I knew Caleb Gordon late of the same Augusta, a Revolutionary pensioner, deceased; that I also knew & am now acquainted with Miriam Gordon of the same Augusta, widow of said Caleb, deceased, and have known her for nearly thirty years past. I knew her as the wife of said Caleb, & have known her since his decease, as his widow, she not having since married. I never heard that said Caleb ever had any other wife, than said Miriam, & from my knowledge of the family believe that he was married to said Miriam before he left the Revolutionary army. I know that they have a son now living named Jesse Gordon, who is upwards of fifty years old.
A. R. Nichols
State of Maine. Kennebec, ss: } Subscribed & sworn this 31 st day of August A.D. 1836, the deponent being well known to me as a credible & disinterested witness. I further certify that the said Asaph R. Nichols is Secretary of State, for the State of Maine, & that his statements are entitled to full credit.
Mr. Ward J. Justice Peace

State of Maine, Kennebec ss }
I the subscribe Clerk of the Courts for said County, hereby certify that the Hon: Henry W. Fuller, by whom the foregoing certificate was made, is the Judge of Probate for said County. I also certify that William Wentworth before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for said County.
Witness my hand & the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, this 1 st day of September 1836.
L. A. Chamberlain

State of Maine.
Kennebec, ss:
I the subscriber Register of Probate for said county, hereby certify that the Hon: Henry W. Fuller, before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, in open Court, is Judge of Probate for said county. That the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Meriam Lorde for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name. I affix the Probate Court seal of said County, this 8 th day of August 1836.—
Geo. Robinson, Register of Probate.

Original Claim.
UNITED STATES. of America
[ ] DISTRICT, ss. of Maine
I, David Sewall Judge of the DISTRICT COURT of the United States of America for the Maine District, by Authority of an act of Congress, passed the 25th day of April, 1812, entitled " An Act to revive and continue in force An Act to provide " for persons who were disabled by known wounds received " in the Revolutionary War, and for other purposes," do hereby especially authorise and commission Niel Mann James Bates of Hallowell , of the county of Penobscot and District of Maine , severally
to take all evidence pursuant to the rules and regulations of the said act for substantiating the claim of Caleb Gordon of the town of Hallowell in the county of Penobscot and district of Maine to be placed on the Pension List of the United States, by reason of known wounds received in said war, or since, (as prescribed in the 4th section of " An Act concerning invalid pensioners," passed the 25th of April, 1808,) while in the actual service of the United States, and in the line of his duty. And when the same shall be completed, to return the evidence, affidavits, certificates and proceedings had hereupon, together with this commission, to the Secretary for the Department of War.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at York in the said District of Maine the Seventh day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
David Sewall

Increase of Pension.
UNITED STATES.
DISTRICT, ss.
To Doctor
of
and Doctor
of
in
said District.
Pursuant to An Act of Congress of the United States, passed the 25th of April, 1812, entitled "An Act to revive and continue in force An Act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary War, and for other purposes," you are hereby appointed and authorised to examine
who is inscribed on the Pension List of the United States, and is claimant for an increase of pension conformably to the 5th section of the act of the 10th of April, 1806, revived as aforesaid; and you are to report in writing and on oath or affirmation, your opinion of the nature of his disability and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor; and in your proceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act.
GIVEN under my hand and seal at
this
day of
in the year one thousand eight hundred and

RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR
SUBSTANTIATING CLAIMS TO A PENSION.
VIDE "An Act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary War," passed the 10th of April, 1806, revived and continued in force for six years longer, by An Act of the 25th of April, 1812.
" SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That in substantiating such claim, the following rules and regulations shall be complied with; that is to say: all evidence shall be taken on oath or affirmation, before the Judge of the District, or one of the Judges of the Territory in which such claimant resides, or before some person specially authorised by commission from said Judge."
" Decisive Disability, the effect of a known wound or wounds, received while in the actual service and line of duty against the common enemy during the Revolutionary War, must be proved by the affidavit of the commanding officer of the regiment, corps, company, ship, vessel or craft, in which such claimant served; or of two other credible witnesses to the same effect, setting forth the time when, and place where, such known wound or wounds were received, and particularly describing the same."
" The nature of such Disability, and in what degree it prevents the claimant from obtaining his subsistence, must be proved by the affidavit of some reputable Physician or Surgeon, stating his opinion, either from his own knowledge and acquaintance with the claimant, or from an examination of such claimant on oath or affirmation, which, when necessary for that purpose, shall be administered to said claimant by said Judge or Commissioner. And the said Physician or Surgeon, in his affidavit, shall particularly describe the wound or wounds from whence the disability appears to be derived. "*
" Every claimant must prove, by at least one credible witness, that he continued in service during the whole time for which he was detached, or for which he engaged, unless he was discharged, or left the service in consequence of some derangement of the army, or in consequence of his disability resigned his commission; or was after his disability in captivity or on parole, until the close of the Revolutionary War. And in the same manner must prove his mode of life and employment since he left the service, and the place or places where he has since resided, and his place of residence at the time of taking such testimony. "
* RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America assembled, That the Secretary for the Department of War return to the respective District Judges, the names of all such persons as have been transmitted to him by the several District Judges, pursuant to the Act for the Regulation of Claims to Invalid Pensions, and in whose cases the examining physicians have neglected to specify the ratio of disability; together with such defective returns of physicians, And the said District Judges, respectively, shall forthwith cause the examining physicians to specify the several rates of disability which have been so neglected; or, in case of sickness, death, or removal of one or both such physicians, to make new appointments, and cause the several rates of disability to be specified, and by the said physicians returned to them as soon as may be; of which they shall make return to the Secretary of War, &c. &c. &c.
VIDE Law of the 18th April, 1796. Laws of U. S. vol. 3, page 374.

"Every claimant shall, by his affidavit, give satisfactory reasons why he did not make application for a pension before, and that he is not on the pension list of any State ; and the Judge or Commissioner shall certify in writing, his opinion of the credibility of the witnesses , whose affidavits he shall take, in all those cases where, by this Act, it is said the proof shall be made by a credible witness or witnesses. And also, that the examining Physician or Surgeon is reputable in his profession. "
"SEC. 3. And be it further enacted , That the said Judge of the District, or person by him commissioned as aforesaid, shall transmit a list of such claims, accompanied by the evidence, affidavits, certificates and proceedings had thereon in pursuance of this Act, noting particularly the day on which the testimony was closed before him , to the Secretary for the Department of War," &c. &c. &c. "And it shall be the duty of the Judge or Commissioner aforesaid, to permit each claimant to take a transcript of the evidence and proceedings had respecting his claim, if he shall desire it, and to certify the same to be correct."
"SEC. 5. And be it further enacted , That an increase of pension may be allowed to persons already placed upon the Pension List of the United States, for disabilities caused by known wounds received during the Revolutionary War , in all cases where justice shall require the same: Provided , That the increase, when added to the pension formerly received, shall in no case exceed a full pension."
"Every invalid making application for this purpose, shall be examined by two reputable Physicians or Surgeons, to be authorised by commission from the Judge of the District where such invalid resides; who shall report in writing, on oath or affirmation, their opinion of the nature of the applicant's disability, and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor , which report shall be transmitted by said Physicians or Surgeons to the Secretary for the Department of War," &c. &c. &c.
Extract from An Act of Congress of the 25th of April, 1808, entitled "An Act concerning Invalid Pensioners."
"SEC. 4. And be it further enacted , That any officer, non-commissioned officer, musician or private, who has been wounded or disabled since the Revolutionary War , while in the line of his duty, in the actual service of the United States, whether he belong to the Military Establishment or to the Militia, or any Volunteer corps, called into service under the authority of the United States, may be placed on the Pension List of the United States, at such rate of compensation, and under such regulations as are prescribed by the act, entitled "An Act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary War," passed April the 10th, 1806.
Act of 16th April, 1814. Depositions substantiating claims to pension to be hereafter taken before any Judge of any of the Courts of the State or Territory in which such person may reside; the Certificate of the Clerk of the Court whereof the said Judge is a member, sufficient to prove his being such Judge.

Augusta, Me. Sept. 1 st 1836.
Sir:
I enclose you an additional declaration & evidence, in support of the claim of Miriam Gordon to a pension under the act of Congress of July 4, 1836. I have known Mr Gordon upwards of thirteen years, I have talked with people who have known her more than thirty years, as the wife & afterwards the widow of Caleb Gordon. It is fully believed by myself & others that her declaration is strictly true.
Yours very respectfully M m Moart
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm d of Pensions Washington D C

11 Recd 1st Feb 1878
Caleb Gordon's claim
Congress
Washing.
to the Secretary for the Dept of the Interior for the purpose of the claim

Hallowell 2 d February 1818
To the Secretary for the Department of War
Sir,
The enclosed affidavit of Caleb Gordin together with the examination of Doctor Bates were taken & closed before me this day. She said Gordin I have been personally acquainted with for the last fifteen years. He has resided in this Town, Augusta, or Vassalborough, has been a labourer, in very indigent circumstances, but very honest, & as I verily believe, entitled to full credit. Doctor James Bates whose examination accompanies this, is a practising Physician & Surgeon in good repute in his profession.
A William Commissioner Specially appointed for the purpose as p t commission enclosed

Dist. of Maine,
Caleb Gordon, private.
Capt. Stone's Co. Col. Brewer's reg't Genl. Patterson's Brigade, in the U. S. army, during the Revolu- tionary War, — evidence transmitted by A. Mann, Esq. Commr. appointed to take it, by Judge Sewall, by letter dated the 2 d Feb. 1818.
Received on the 14 th of Feb. 1818. Took laid before Congress at their present session.
Congress

Dec 12 Mr. J. H. Wadsworth
FREE
Edwards Ely Commissioner of Pensions - Washington D.C.
And Ely is about Rec. H. 1856

Dec 12 In
Wadsworth
FREE
Edwards Ely Commissioner of Pensions - Washington D.C.
And by a report Dec 14. 1836

Maine Bank Portland Dec. 7. 1836
Sir
Miriam Gordon Widow of Caleb Gordon has presented her papers heretofore her pension under the Act of July 4. 1836. as 80 dollars if your her certificate is No 84. dated Oct. 15. 1836
This pension has not been reported here Shall she be paid?
Respectfully
your Ob. Servt
Joseph Swift Clerk
J. L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pensions Washington,

Augusta, Me. Augt. 8 th 1836.
Sir:
I transmit to you herewith, the claim of Miriam Gordon, widow of Caleb Gordon, to a pension! Your early attention will confer a favor upon an old & very poor widow.
Very respectfully Yours Obed H. Smith M m M c ARTH
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington, D. C.

Post-Office
Augusta, Maine
Aug 24/77
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 11 th inst.; in relation to the Gordon family, I would say that Byron Gordon is now a resident of this town.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Yours respectfully H. H. Samuel Post

request for Bible to be returned to Mrs Gordon

Augusta, Me., October 3 d , 1836.
Sir,
Your letter of the 27 th ult. in relation to the claim of Miriam Gordon is before me. I have taken the affidavit of Mrs. Garrison in relation to the Family record, which accompanies this letter. Mrs. Gordon would like to have her Bible returned to her, if consistent with your rules.
I am respectfully your obedt Servt M c Moart
J L Edwards Esq Comm d of Pensions Washington D.C. }

Bible sent to Cyrus S. D. D. Augusta Me

B.25 Division.
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. Aug. 11 1877.
Dear Sir
Please furnish this Office with the names and present P. O. address of some of the descendants of Mrs. Miriam Gordon, Widow of Caleb Gordon. late a private in the Rev. War. - The Widow made application for pension in 1836 and sent a Bible to this Office (through her agt William Nott Esq of your City) to be filed in Evidence. It is now desired to return this Bible to the family. The names of her children as found recorded in this Bible - are Jesse, John, Mary, Gilman, Dan l Caleb Susan and Cyrus. all of whom formerly resided in your Town. Please return this letter with your reply in the enclosed envelope.
Post Master Augusta P.O. Kennebec P.O. Maine
Very respectfully, O. G. Clarke acting Commissioner for M. C. D.

Read by Mrs. Cyrus Gordon in presence of Grover
Sept 2. 1877
Mrs Cyrus Gordon Vendee
Witness
Grover
Widows File No. 23.122
Mrs. Gordon
Widow of
Caleb Gordon
Pri Rev. War.
Receipt for Bible & enclosed to be filed
Sep 7. 1877

N.O. W. & B. L. Div Evans
Department of the Interior PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C. Aug. 28. 1872
Dear Sir
In herewith transmit to your address the Bible sent to this office by William Wort Esq. att. for Mrs. Miriam Gordon who applied for a pension in 1836, & which was filed in evidence in her case at that time.
You will please acknowledge the receipt of the Bible on the back of this letter and return it to this office in the envelope enclosed.
Mrs Gordon Augusta P.O. Kennebec Co. Maine
Very respectfully
W. B. Ray Commissioner M. M. P.